WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:07.759 I want to start off with just kind of an observation and a question that maybe some of you can relate with or at least have heard. 00:00:08.179 --> 00:00:12.160 ! Has anyone ever heard someone say something along the lines? 00:00:12.160 --> 00:00:18.019 Now again, I'm not saying you have said this. I'm saying maybe you've heard somebody say this. 00:00:18.460 --> 00:00:21.740 Something along the lines, well, I don't really care for the Old Testament. 00:00:22.280 --> 00:00:25.000 There's too much violence there. I prefer the New Testament. 00:00:25.859 --> 00:00:30.660 In the New Testament, God is more loving than the Old Testament. 00:00:30.920 --> 00:00:34.759 In the Old Testament, He's quick to judge and swift to justice. 00:00:34.759 --> 00:00:40.039 In the New Testament, He's much more lenient and forgiving and patient with us. 00:00:40.579 --> 00:00:42.280 Has anybody ever heard somebody say that? 00:00:42.879 --> 00:00:44.700 I think we've all heard people say that. 00:00:45.120 --> 00:00:51.519 A lot of times we start comparing God of the Old Testament to the God of the New Testament as there's somebody different. 00:00:51.520 --> 00:00:57.160 And we start thinking of it kind of along the lines of our parents when they become grandparents. 00:00:57.940 --> 00:01:01.780 You know, as parents, they didn't let us get away with very much. 00:01:01.840 --> 00:01:05.100 But for some reason, my kids can get away with so much. 00:01:05.140 --> 00:01:10.300 I don't know how many times I've said, I would have never gotten away with that. 00:01:10.520 --> 00:01:12.420 I would never have been able to do that. 00:01:12.420 --> 00:01:22.760 And if we're not careful, sometimes when we start reading God's Word and we start hearing other people say things about God, that's where our mind can often go. 00:01:23.019 --> 00:01:26.519 We start telling ourselves these different things. 00:01:26.920 --> 00:01:31.939 The problem with this thinking when it comes to God is it's not true. 00:01:33.120 --> 00:01:37.659 In fact, it would be heretical to say that God is changing through our time. 00:01:37.659 --> 00:01:43.299 We believe the Bible clearly teaches the immutability of God, meaning that He doesn't change. 00:01:43.679 --> 00:01:45.319 His character never changes. 00:01:45.459 --> 00:01:47.340 His promises never change. 00:01:47.420 --> 00:01:48.859 His nature never changes. 00:01:49.340 --> 00:01:50.759 His love never changes. 00:01:51.280 --> 00:01:52.239 He is perfect. 00:01:52.819 --> 00:01:53.840 He is God. 00:01:54.259 --> 00:01:56.019 That is who He is. 00:01:56.459 --> 00:02:01.359 In fact, when we look at different passages, for example, in James chapter 1, we're told, 00:02:01.359 --> 00:02:03.959 Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers. 00:02:04.200 --> 00:02:15.379 Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. 00:02:15.979 --> 00:02:23.860 Next week, when we get into Hebrews chapter 13 and finish up the book of Hebrews next week, we're going to see Hebrews 13.8, 00:02:23.860 --> 00:02:29.520 where it says Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. 00:02:29.520 --> 00:02:37.680 However, understanding the immutability of God will be very helpful as we take a look at this week's passage, 00:02:38.200 --> 00:02:45.400 as we understand the tail end of Hebrews chapter 12 here, making our way into the final chapter. 00:02:46.120 --> 00:02:50.920 And so if you have a copy of God's Word, I want to invite you to follow along with me. 00:02:50.920 --> 00:02:59.400 Open up to Hebrews chapter 12 and follow along as we read verses 18 through 29. 00:02:59.520 --> 00:03:02.100 This is what the Word of the Lord says. 00:03:02.100 --> 00:03:03.740 It says, 00:03:03.740 --> 00:03:32.960 Indeed, so terrifying was the sight that Moses said, 00:03:32.960 --> 00:03:34.960 I tremble with fear. 00:03:34.960 --> 00:03:45.920 But you have come to Mount Zion, and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to innumerable angels in festal gathering, 00:03:46.300 --> 00:03:52.319 and to the assembly of the firstborn who are enrolled in heaven, and to God, the judge of all, 00:03:52.700 --> 00:04:00.300 and to the spirits of righteousness made perfect, and to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant, 00:04:00.300 --> 00:04:06.380 and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel. 00:04:07.300 --> 00:04:10.900 See that you do not refuse him who is speaking. 00:04:11.300 --> 00:04:16.319 For if they did not escape when they refused him who warned them on earth, 00:04:16.480 --> 00:04:21.920 much less will we escape if we reject him who warns from heaven. 00:04:21.920 --> 00:04:27.280 At that time his voice shook the earth, but now he has promised. 00:04:28.060 --> 00:04:32.020 Yet once more I will shake not only the earth, but also the heavens. 00:04:32.520 --> 00:04:39.040 This phrase, yet once more, indicates the removal of things that are shaken. 00:04:39.740 --> 00:04:47.420 That is, things that have been made in order that the things that cannot be shaken may remain. 00:04:47.420 --> 00:04:53.860 Therefore, let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, 00:04:54.379 --> 00:05:00.040 and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship with reverence and all, 00:05:00.200 --> 00:05:04.540 for our God is a consuming fire. 00:05:05.200 --> 00:05:10.840 Now I believe the main idea the author is trying to communicate to us from this passage 00:05:10.839 --> 00:05:15.099 is that we serve a holy and just God. 00:05:15.099 --> 00:05:20.359 His holiness and justice prevents sin from coming into his presence, 00:05:21.139 --> 00:05:23.699 but Jesus makes a way. 00:05:24.599 --> 00:05:28.259 And so my hope and prayer, the main thing that I want us to see today 00:05:28.259 --> 00:05:32.859 is that God is still holy and perfect. 00:05:33.339 --> 00:05:36.859 Our sin still separates us from him, 00:05:36.860 --> 00:05:40.620 but Jesus still makes a way. 00:05:41.379 --> 00:05:45.500 And so this understanding will lead us to a heart of thankfulness 00:05:45.500 --> 00:05:47.580 and a heart of worship. 00:05:48.340 --> 00:05:50.439 And so to help us understand this this morning, 00:05:50.520 --> 00:05:54.639 I want us to begin by answering a very important question. 00:05:55.319 --> 00:05:58.240 I want us to start by answering a very important question 00:05:58.240 --> 00:06:00.639 that we must all be able to answer in our lives, 00:06:00.740 --> 00:06:01.780 and it is this. 00:06:02.540 --> 00:06:06.100 How can we confidently approach God? 00:06:06.860 --> 00:06:09.900 How can we confidently approach God? 00:06:09.900 --> 00:06:13.700 And we see this from verses 18 through 24 that we just read. 00:06:14.020 --> 00:06:17.120 And in here you have the tale of two mountains. 00:06:17.520 --> 00:06:20.580 You have this understanding of Mount Sinai, 00:06:20.700 --> 00:06:23.939 and then you also have the understanding of Mount Zion. 00:06:24.580 --> 00:06:28.180 And Mount Sinai, to understand this, 00:06:28.540 --> 00:06:31.980 to understand what the author is trying to communicate to us here 00:06:31.980 --> 00:06:35.360 in Hebrews chapter 12 about Mount Sinai, 00:06:35.439 --> 00:06:40.220 we really must go back to Exodus chapter 19 to understand this. 00:06:40.700 --> 00:06:42.860 In fact, I would encourage you this afternoon, 00:06:43.520 --> 00:06:46.400 as we leave here, go back and read Exodus 19, 00:06:46.840 --> 00:06:50.280 and then in light of that, read through Exodus 12. 00:06:51.280 --> 00:06:53.180 But as we read in Exodus 19, 00:06:53.319 --> 00:06:54.920 Moses was going to Sinai, 00:06:54.920 --> 00:06:59.360 and he gave strict rules as to what should take place 00:06:59.360 --> 00:07:00.879 when God appears there. 00:07:01.600 --> 00:07:02.560 They were told, 00:07:03.060 --> 00:07:04.560 do not go near the mountain. 00:07:05.000 --> 00:07:06.199 Don't even approach it, 00:07:06.220 --> 00:07:07.620 not even to the edge of it. 00:07:07.980 --> 00:07:09.520 And if someone does, 00:07:09.640 --> 00:07:11.160 then they will be put to death. 00:07:11.960 --> 00:07:13.319 Also, there will be an earthquake. 00:07:13.800 --> 00:07:15.740 A thick cloud will circle it, 00:07:15.780 --> 00:07:17.860 and there will be thunder and lightning, 00:07:18.259 --> 00:07:19.420 the sound of trumpets, 00:07:19.420 --> 00:07:22.600 and the Lord will descend as fire with great smoke. 00:07:22.699 --> 00:07:25.379 And so there was much to do about this. 00:07:25.759 --> 00:07:26.680 In all of this, 00:07:26.759 --> 00:07:30.580 God was explaining and establishing very clearly 00:07:30.580 --> 00:07:35.100 in their hearts that he is a holy God. 00:07:35.100 --> 00:07:36.700 He is righteous. 00:07:37.060 --> 00:07:38.600 He is perfect. 00:07:39.240 --> 00:07:40.920 We don't treat him casually. 00:07:41.259 --> 00:07:42.860 We don't talk about him flippantly. 00:07:43.040 --> 00:07:46.540 We come to him understanding who he is, 00:07:46.580 --> 00:07:49.280 that he is God and we are not. 00:07:49.840 --> 00:07:51.720 They caught a glimpse of his glory, 00:07:51.840 --> 00:07:54.480 and it caused them to better understand 00:07:54.480 --> 00:07:57.259 his holiness and their sinfulness. 00:07:58.480 --> 00:07:58.980 It says, 00:07:59.180 --> 00:08:01.240 if even a beast touches the mountain, 00:08:01.660 --> 00:08:03.200 it shall be stoned. 00:08:03.640 --> 00:08:05.780 What we are to see from this is 00:08:05.780 --> 00:08:08.379 that because of our sin, 00:08:09.000 --> 00:08:10.379 God is unapproachable. 00:08:10.900 --> 00:08:12.600 Because of our sin, 00:08:13.120 --> 00:08:14.200 God is unapproachable. 00:08:14.200 --> 00:08:15.520 In our sinfulness, 00:08:15.879 --> 00:08:18.580 we cannot come into the presence of God. 00:08:18.579 --> 00:08:19.259 We, 00:08:19.439 --> 00:08:20.399 because of our sin, 00:08:20.740 --> 00:08:24.240 can't approach a holy and perfect God. 00:08:24.819 --> 00:08:27.459 But there's another mountain in this story. 00:08:28.000 --> 00:08:29.859 There's another mountain that we must consider, 00:08:29.959 --> 00:08:30.639 Mount Zion. 00:08:31.000 --> 00:08:32.759 And the author has let us know 00:08:32.759 --> 00:08:35.439 that they are coming to a different mountain. 00:08:35.559 --> 00:08:36.059 Mount Zion, 00:08:36.199 --> 00:08:37.919 that represents God's dwelling. 00:08:38.399 --> 00:08:40.939 The difference now is that this mountain, 00:08:41.379 --> 00:08:42.559 at this mountain, 00:08:42.720 --> 00:08:44.240 he is approachable. 00:08:44.240 --> 00:08:46.419 He is no less holy, 00:08:46.840 --> 00:08:47.980 no less just, 00:08:48.120 --> 00:08:49.279 no less righteous. 00:08:49.980 --> 00:08:52.139 But here on this mountain, 00:08:52.460 --> 00:08:54.500 there's a picture of joy. 00:08:54.820 --> 00:08:56.460 There's a picture of singing. 00:08:56.919 --> 00:08:59.700 We're told that the angels are in festal gathering. 00:08:59.919 --> 00:09:02.860 There's now a picture of celebration. 00:09:03.659 --> 00:09:07.480 Celebration for those who are enrolled in heaven, 00:09:07.480 --> 00:09:09.379 it says in verse 23. 00:09:10.000 --> 00:09:13.659 There's a role written in the Lamb's book of life. 00:09:13.740 --> 00:09:14.800 And because of Jesus, 00:09:14.800 --> 00:09:17.539 our names can be written on this role. 00:09:17.899 --> 00:09:18.759 That's why we sing, 00:09:19.180 --> 00:09:20.779 when the role is called up yonder, 00:09:20.920 --> 00:09:21.639 I'll be what? 00:09:22.259 --> 00:09:22.820 Be there. 00:09:22.920 --> 00:09:25.800 If our names are written in the Lamb's book of life, 00:09:25.840 --> 00:09:27.879 then we will be there with Jesus. 00:09:28.019 --> 00:09:30.039 We can come into his presence, 00:09:30.039 --> 00:09:32.180 not on our own doing, 00:09:32.279 --> 00:09:33.980 but on Christ's doing. 00:09:33.980 --> 00:09:37.399 The contrast of these two mountains 00:09:37.399 --> 00:09:42.039 is not given to paint a picture of a changing God, 00:09:42.279 --> 00:09:47.800 but rather to show how God and God alone can make a way. 00:09:48.600 --> 00:09:51.000 If a person ran back to Sinai, 00:09:51.120 --> 00:09:53.139 as opposed to running to Christ, 00:09:53.200 --> 00:09:56.320 then they would be left with only animal sacrifices 00:09:56.320 --> 00:09:59.240 to stand between them and a holy God. 00:09:59.539 --> 00:10:02.180 And we already know from what the author has told us in Hebrews 00:10:02.179 --> 00:10:06.199 that it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats 00:10:06.199 --> 00:10:08.299 to take away sins. 00:10:09.000 --> 00:10:11.259 And so Michael Kruger, reflecting on this notes, 00:10:11.319 --> 00:10:11.679 he says, 00:10:12.179 --> 00:10:13.359 in effect then, 00:10:13.799 --> 00:10:15.239 to reject Christ 00:10:15.239 --> 00:10:17.299 and return to the old covenant 00:10:17.299 --> 00:10:20.319 would be attempting to draw near to God 00:10:20.319 --> 00:10:22.339 in one's own strength 00:10:22.339 --> 00:10:23.879 and one's own merits. 00:10:24.679 --> 00:10:27.719 This would enslave a person to law keeping 00:10:27.719 --> 00:10:29.699 as a basis for their acceptance, 00:10:29.700 --> 00:10:33.320 which inevitably would lead to a lack of assurance 00:10:33.320 --> 00:10:34.740 and peace. 00:10:35.360 --> 00:10:38.080 We don't go back and try to do this on our own. 00:10:38.700 --> 00:10:40.020 We don't look back and say, 00:10:40.100 --> 00:10:40.520 you know what? 00:10:40.840 --> 00:10:42.820 Jesus, what you did was great, 00:10:43.259 --> 00:10:45.440 but I need to add to that a little bit. 00:10:45.700 --> 00:10:47.060 We don't look back and say, 00:10:47.120 --> 00:10:47.540 you know what? 00:10:47.759 --> 00:10:49.440 Thank you, Jesus, for what you did, 00:10:49.520 --> 00:10:52.340 but I need to make sure that I keep doing this 00:10:52.340 --> 00:10:53.540 and keep living this life 00:10:53.540 --> 00:10:55.879 so that I can keep having acceptance. 00:10:55.879 --> 00:10:56.120 acceptance. 00:10:56.360 --> 00:10:58.259 That's not understanding the gospel. 00:10:58.419 --> 00:11:01.340 What this is very clearly showing is 00:11:01.340 --> 00:11:03.399 there's only one way to the Father, 00:11:03.720 --> 00:11:05.039 and that is through Jesus, 00:11:05.039 --> 00:11:07.799 by placing our faith and our trust in Him. 00:11:07.980 --> 00:11:09.700 And if we're trying to do this on our own, 00:11:09.759 --> 00:11:12.679 if we're trying to live a good enough life 00:11:12.679 --> 00:11:13.720 to be accepted, 00:11:13.840 --> 00:11:16.659 it will never, ever work. 00:11:17.299 --> 00:11:19.299 And so what this does, 00:11:19.379 --> 00:11:19.799 Mount Zion, 00:11:19.879 --> 00:11:22.039 I may remind you of how unholy you are, 00:11:22.039 --> 00:11:24.719 but Mount Zion is where you find 00:11:24.719 --> 00:11:26.679 that you have been made perfect. 00:11:27.240 --> 00:11:28.719 And so how is it 00:11:28.719 --> 00:11:32.579 that the same God can be so terrifying 00:11:32.579 --> 00:11:34.879 and unapproachable at Mount Sinai 00:11:34.879 --> 00:11:38.659 and be so welcoming and approachable at Zion? 00:11:39.719 --> 00:11:41.639 Well, the answer is found in verse 24. 00:11:42.379 --> 00:11:43.879 The answer is found in verse 24. 00:11:44.000 --> 00:11:45.719 In fact, all of this, 00:11:45.980 --> 00:11:46.899 what we're talking about, 00:11:46.939 --> 00:11:49.799 comes to a head as we look at verse 24. 00:11:49.799 --> 00:11:53.259 All of this is possible in Jesus 00:11:53.259 --> 00:11:56.199 because He is the mediator of a new covenant. 00:11:57.079 --> 00:11:58.599 And to the sprinkled blood 00:11:58.599 --> 00:12:02.000 that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel. 00:12:02.419 --> 00:12:05.599 The reason that we, sinful people, 00:12:05.719 --> 00:12:09.819 can come into the presence of a holy and just God 00:12:09.819 --> 00:12:12.620 is because Jesus is our mediator. 00:12:13.159 --> 00:12:14.159 If we are believers, 00:12:14.359 --> 00:12:15.839 if we are followers of Christ, 00:12:16.179 --> 00:12:17.759 He is our mediator, 00:12:17.759 --> 00:12:19.779 and that is the only way 00:12:19.779 --> 00:12:23.000 that we can come into the presence of a holy God 00:12:23.000 --> 00:12:25.179 because He, Christ, 00:12:25.399 --> 00:12:27.200 has given us His righteousness. 00:12:28.000 --> 00:12:29.399 And so that when God looks at us, 00:12:29.419 --> 00:12:32.279 He no longer sees that sin and that shame, 00:12:32.360 --> 00:12:36.200 but He sees His Son's perfect and holy life 00:12:36.200 --> 00:12:38.159 given in our place. 00:12:39.319 --> 00:12:41.360 And so how does Jesus' blood 00:12:41.360 --> 00:12:45.019 speak a better word than the blood of Abel? 00:12:45.019 --> 00:12:47.960 How does Jesus' blood speak a better word 00:12:47.960 --> 00:12:48.939 than the blood of Abel? 00:12:49.120 --> 00:12:51.299 Do you remember the story of Cain and Abel? 00:12:51.480 --> 00:12:53.559 Going back to Genesis chapter 4, 00:12:53.899 --> 00:12:54.980 in this story, 00:12:55.340 --> 00:12:58.699 Cain and Abel are both making offerings to the Lord. 00:12:59.419 --> 00:13:01.699 Abel gives of the first fruit, 00:13:01.779 --> 00:13:02.559 the firstborn. 00:13:02.659 --> 00:13:05.379 He gives the very best that he has 00:13:05.379 --> 00:13:06.960 as an offering to God. 00:13:07.340 --> 00:13:09.019 And Cain gives some of the leftovers. 00:13:09.819 --> 00:13:10.980 He still gives the offering there, 00:13:10.980 --> 00:13:13.420 but he gives out of the leftovers, 00:13:13.420 --> 00:13:15.000 not out of the first. 00:13:15.659 --> 00:13:17.060 And so God, in this, 00:13:17.279 --> 00:13:19.960 He accepts Abel's offering 00:13:19.960 --> 00:13:22.159 and He rejects Cain's. 00:13:22.500 --> 00:13:24.420 Well, of course, this makes Cain upset. 00:13:25.039 --> 00:13:26.480 And so Cain goes out 00:13:26.480 --> 00:13:28.860 and then kills his brother Abel. 00:13:29.259 --> 00:13:31.320 And so right after this takes place, 00:13:31.340 --> 00:13:32.980 in Genesis chapter 4, 00:13:33.860 --> 00:13:37.000 we're able to see God's interaction with Cain. 00:13:37.000 --> 00:13:40.399 And he comes to him in verse 10 of Genesis 4, 00:13:40.460 --> 00:13:40.840 and he says, 00:13:40.940 --> 00:13:41.899 And the Lord said, 00:13:42.440 --> 00:13:43.679 What have you done? 00:13:44.019 --> 00:13:45.940 The voice of your brother's blood 00:13:45.940 --> 00:13:47.980 is crying to me from the ground. 00:13:48.320 --> 00:13:50.039 And so what we see here 00:13:50.039 --> 00:13:53.860 is that Abel's blood is crying out to God 00:13:53.860 --> 00:13:54.820 from the ground, 00:13:55.139 --> 00:13:56.799 is crying out to him. 00:13:57.200 --> 00:13:59.720 Abel's blood cried out from the ground 00:13:59.720 --> 00:14:00.480 for vengeance, 00:14:00.940 --> 00:14:01.899 for judgment, 00:14:02.279 --> 00:14:03.340 for justice. 00:14:03.340 --> 00:14:06.780 But now Jesus' blood cries out 00:14:06.780 --> 00:14:08.160 that the judgment, 00:14:08.600 --> 00:14:09.259 the wrath, 00:14:09.540 --> 00:14:10.700 the justice of God 00:14:10.700 --> 00:14:12.740 has been perfectly satisfied. 00:14:13.440 --> 00:14:15.879 And we hear clearly the love, 00:14:16.259 --> 00:14:16.960 the grace, 00:14:17.160 --> 00:14:18.420 and mercy of a God 00:14:18.420 --> 00:14:20.280 who is perfect in His love, 00:14:20.560 --> 00:14:22.259 who is perfect in His justice, 00:14:22.680 --> 00:14:24.300 who is perfect in His mercy, 00:14:24.700 --> 00:14:27.500 who is perfect in His righteous wrath. 00:14:27.740 --> 00:14:28.680 At the cross, 00:14:28.759 --> 00:14:30.360 we see God's justice, 00:14:30.700 --> 00:14:31.360 His wrath, 00:14:31.600 --> 00:14:32.340 His mercy, 00:14:32.340 --> 00:14:33.340 His grace, 00:14:33.519 --> 00:14:34.160 His love, 00:14:34.259 --> 00:14:35.960 all coming together. 00:14:36.540 --> 00:14:38.040 And so the voice we hear 00:14:38.040 --> 00:14:39.879 calling from the cross 00:14:39.879 --> 00:14:41.980 is one of God's riches 00:14:41.980 --> 00:14:43.940 at Christ's expense. 00:14:44.639 --> 00:14:46.780 The message we hear at the cross 00:14:46.780 --> 00:14:50.019 is of God's grace and mercy. 00:14:50.600 --> 00:14:53.180 The question we must all answer is this, 00:14:53.660 --> 00:14:55.200 have we received this call? 00:14:55.800 --> 00:14:56.800 Have we put our faith 00:14:56.800 --> 00:14:58.220 and our trust in this call? 00:14:58.259 --> 00:14:59.280 Are we still going 00:14:59.280 --> 00:15:01.379 to try to do this on our own? 00:15:01.379 --> 00:15:03.519 Are we trying to be good enough? 00:15:04.159 --> 00:15:06.299 Or are we boldly 00:15:06.299 --> 00:15:07.679 and confidently 00:15:07.679 --> 00:15:09.299 coming before God 00:15:09.299 --> 00:15:12.059 not because of what we have done, 00:15:12.240 --> 00:15:15.799 but because of what Christ has done for us? 00:15:16.740 --> 00:15:18.700 And so as we answer this question, 00:15:18.980 --> 00:15:21.779 how can we confidently approach God, 00:15:22.279 --> 00:15:24.439 we see the author giving us 00:15:24.439 --> 00:15:27.159 a very important warning here. 00:15:27.159 --> 00:15:30.559 We see the author bringing this home for us 00:15:30.559 --> 00:15:32.500 for just a moment where he says this. 00:15:32.899 --> 00:15:33.959 Basically what he's saying, 00:15:34.019 --> 00:15:35.259 after understanding this, 00:15:35.319 --> 00:15:35.779 he says, 00:15:36.319 --> 00:15:37.819 don't miss this. 00:15:38.959 --> 00:15:40.379 Don't miss this. 00:15:40.480 --> 00:15:41.899 Don't miss the gospel. 00:15:42.079 --> 00:15:43.279 Don't miss God's grace. 00:15:43.399 --> 00:15:44.819 Don't miss this understanding. 00:15:45.500 --> 00:15:46.860 Verse 25 says this. 00:15:46.939 --> 00:15:47.219 He says, 00:15:47.220 --> 00:15:50.120 See that you do not refuse him 00:15:50.120 --> 00:15:51.680 who is speaking. 00:15:51.680 --> 00:15:53.540 For if they did not escape 00:15:53.540 --> 00:15:54.980 when they refused him 00:15:54.980 --> 00:15:56.779 who warned them on earth, 00:15:56.920 --> 00:15:58.759 much less will we escape 00:15:58.759 --> 00:16:00.180 if we reject him 00:16:00.180 --> 00:16:02.480 who warns from heaven. 00:16:03.040 --> 00:16:05.519 This passage is giving us 00:16:05.519 --> 00:16:07.740 a strong word of caution. 00:16:08.460 --> 00:16:09.580 The warning lets us know 00:16:09.580 --> 00:16:10.899 that we must not neglect 00:16:10.899 --> 00:16:12.399 the gospel of Christ 00:16:12.399 --> 00:16:15.240 and refuse to hear God's word. 00:16:15.240 --> 00:16:17.320 is a direct warning 00:16:17.320 --> 00:16:19.700 that we must take to heart. 00:16:19.899 --> 00:16:21.519 That we must not dismiss 00:16:21.519 --> 00:16:23.860 but genuinely take to heart. 00:16:24.299 --> 00:16:24.639 You see, 00:16:24.740 --> 00:16:25.519 throughout Hebrews, 00:16:25.740 --> 00:16:26.379 as we've noted, 00:16:26.519 --> 00:16:28.259 the author has been clear 00:16:28.259 --> 00:16:30.320 that God has spoken 00:16:30.320 --> 00:16:31.279 through his son. 00:16:32.200 --> 00:16:34.279 In the very first chapter of Hebrews, 00:16:34.500 --> 00:16:35.779 we're told very clearly 00:16:35.779 --> 00:16:38.320 that God has spoken to us 00:16:38.320 --> 00:16:39.700 through his son. 00:16:39.799 --> 00:16:41.220 And this saving message 00:16:41.220 --> 00:16:44.700 is not one that we can ignore. 00:16:45.240 --> 00:16:47.139 And so why is this so important? 00:16:47.720 --> 00:16:49.519 Because if this is ignored, 00:16:50.100 --> 00:16:51.860 if we don't take seriously 00:16:51.860 --> 00:16:54.500 what God has done for us, 00:16:54.700 --> 00:16:56.340 if we fail to understand 00:16:56.340 --> 00:16:57.820 that we are all sinners 00:16:57.820 --> 00:16:59.700 and that we need Jesus, 00:17:00.639 --> 00:17:02.080 then judgment will come. 00:17:02.879 --> 00:17:04.180 To help us see this, 00:17:04.259 --> 00:17:05.720 the author brings our attention 00:17:05.720 --> 00:17:08.140 back to Mount Sinai another time. 00:17:08.140 --> 00:17:11.140 Despite all of the frightening sights 00:17:11.140 --> 00:17:11.900 and sounds 00:17:11.900 --> 00:17:13.680 that the people experienced there 00:17:13.680 --> 00:17:15.540 as God descended on Mount Sinai, 00:17:15.620 --> 00:17:17.240 the people refused. 00:17:17.360 --> 00:17:17.940 It says here, 00:17:18.140 --> 00:17:19.540 they refused him 00:17:19.540 --> 00:17:21.320 who warned them on earth 00:17:21.320 --> 00:17:23.020 and God was faithful 00:17:23.020 --> 00:17:24.600 to his promise 00:17:24.600 --> 00:17:26.759 and they did not escape 00:17:26.759 --> 00:17:27.780 his judgment. 00:17:28.960 --> 00:17:30.860 He then brings this home 00:17:30.860 --> 00:17:32.160 for the original audience 00:17:32.160 --> 00:17:34.880 and I think for us today as well. 00:17:34.880 --> 00:17:36.680 His argument is simple. 00:17:37.400 --> 00:17:39.180 If God held people accountable 00:17:39.180 --> 00:17:40.040 when on earth, 00:17:40.560 --> 00:17:42.860 when they were warned here on earth, 00:17:42.960 --> 00:17:45.920 how much more will he hold us accountable 00:17:45.920 --> 00:17:47.800 when warned from heaven? 00:17:48.580 --> 00:17:50.020 You see, the passage tells us 00:17:50.020 --> 00:17:51.200 there will be a time 00:17:51.200 --> 00:17:54.560 when our faith is made very clear. 00:17:55.120 --> 00:17:57.540 It says in verse 26 and 27, 00:17:57.539 --> 00:17:59.159 At that time, 00:17:59.420 --> 00:18:00.680 his voice shook, 00:18:01.139 --> 00:18:02.639 but now he has promised, 00:18:02.799 --> 00:18:03.859 yet once more, 00:18:04.119 --> 00:18:06.139 I will shake not only the earth 00:18:06.139 --> 00:18:07.379 but also the heavens. 00:18:08.019 --> 00:18:08.799 This phrase, 00:18:08.940 --> 00:18:09.920 yet once more, 00:18:10.019 --> 00:18:12.559 indicates the removal of things 00:18:12.559 --> 00:18:13.519 that are shaken, 00:18:14.039 --> 00:18:16.180 that is things that have been made, 00:18:16.440 --> 00:18:17.799 in order that the things 00:18:17.799 --> 00:18:19.659 that cannot be shaken 00:18:19.659 --> 00:18:21.359 may remain. 00:18:22.240 --> 00:18:24.159 He is saying that there was a shaking 00:18:24.159 --> 00:18:25.500 at Mount Sinai, 00:18:25.500 --> 00:18:28.059 but there will be a greater shaking 00:18:28.059 --> 00:18:29.940 when we must make sure 00:18:29.940 --> 00:18:31.680 that our foundation, 00:18:32.279 --> 00:18:34.099 what we are building our lives on 00:18:34.099 --> 00:18:34.799 as believers, 00:18:35.039 --> 00:18:37.680 is secure in Christ Jesus. 00:18:38.400 --> 00:18:40.019 There was a shaking at Mount Sinai. 00:18:40.079 --> 00:18:41.759 There's going to be a greater shaking 00:18:41.759 --> 00:18:43.920 where we must make sure 00:18:43.920 --> 00:18:45.500 that our salvation, 00:18:45.740 --> 00:18:47.740 that our foundation in this life 00:18:47.740 --> 00:18:50.440 is built on Christ Jesus. 00:18:51.480 --> 00:18:53.859 But here's the thing about foundations. 00:18:53.859 --> 00:18:54.099 Foundations. 00:18:55.419 --> 00:18:57.359 Foundations are not easily seen. 00:18:58.439 --> 00:19:00.079 Foundations are hard for us 00:19:00.079 --> 00:19:01.859 to see at times. 00:19:02.439 --> 00:19:02.839 In fact, 00:19:02.939 --> 00:19:04.039 nobody goes into 00:19:04.039 --> 00:19:06.839 a building of historical nature 00:19:06.839 --> 00:19:08.879 like the Biltmore House 00:19:08.879 --> 00:19:09.959 or the Sistine Chapel 00:19:09.959 --> 00:19:10.939 or Buckingham Palace. 00:19:10.979 --> 00:19:13.919 Nobody walks into these iconic places 00:19:13.919 --> 00:19:14.339 and says, 00:19:14.859 --> 00:19:15.299 wow, 00:19:15.579 --> 00:19:18.179 look at the foundation of this place. 00:19:18.659 --> 00:19:19.799 Nobody says that 00:19:19.799 --> 00:19:21.879 because you can't see the foundation. 00:19:21.880 --> 00:19:24.000 You can't see what it's built on. 00:19:24.220 --> 00:19:26.460 You see the fruit of what it's built on. 00:19:26.520 --> 00:19:28.240 You see the building that it's built on. 00:19:28.380 --> 00:19:31.640 But you can't see the foundation itself. 00:19:31.740 --> 00:19:33.020 It's hard to tell. 00:19:33.400 --> 00:19:35.100 It's hard to see the foundation. 00:19:35.740 --> 00:19:36.200 Yet, 00:19:36.560 --> 00:19:38.140 without a firm foundation, 00:19:38.340 --> 00:19:40.260 the building will never last. 00:19:40.940 --> 00:19:42.780 And the truth of the matter is 00:19:42.780 --> 00:19:45.180 that this is often the case 00:19:45.180 --> 00:19:46.420 in our lives as well. 00:19:46.420 --> 00:19:49.220 Each and every one of us, 00:19:49.480 --> 00:19:52.100 if enough people are looking at our lives, 00:19:52.539 --> 00:19:54.700 if enough people are watching us, 00:19:54.940 --> 00:19:55.940 each and every one of us 00:19:55.940 --> 00:19:57.440 can probably do the right thing 00:19:57.440 --> 00:19:58.300 most of the time. 00:19:58.800 --> 00:20:00.360 We can look the part 00:20:00.360 --> 00:20:02.779 if everybody's looking at us. 00:20:02.960 --> 00:20:04.620 We know the right things to say. 00:20:04.700 --> 00:20:05.680 We know how we should act. 00:20:05.759 --> 00:20:05.880 So, 00:20:06.160 --> 00:20:07.900 if everybody's looking at us, 00:20:08.140 --> 00:20:09.980 we can look the part. 00:20:09.980 --> 00:20:12.480 But that's not what we're talking about. 00:20:12.880 --> 00:20:14.120 Salvation doesn't come 00:20:14.120 --> 00:20:16.059 from fooling everyone around you 00:20:16.059 --> 00:20:17.579 by looking the part. 00:20:17.960 --> 00:20:19.920 It comes from placing your faith 00:20:19.920 --> 00:20:21.019 and trust in Jesus 00:20:21.019 --> 00:20:24.200 to do what you couldn't do. 00:20:24.980 --> 00:20:25.400 You see, 00:20:25.480 --> 00:20:27.740 Jesus gave a very similar warning 00:20:27.740 --> 00:20:29.319 at the end of the Sermon on the Mount. 00:20:30.220 --> 00:20:31.960 Jesus was giving this message 00:20:31.960 --> 00:20:33.299 to a group of people 00:20:33.299 --> 00:20:35.120 that were showing interest in Him. 00:20:35.920 --> 00:20:36.819 At the Sermon on the Mount, 00:20:36.960 --> 00:20:38.240 Jesus is preaching 00:20:38.240 --> 00:20:39.400 to all of these 00:20:39.400 --> 00:20:40.799 that are gathered there to listen. 00:20:41.259 --> 00:20:42.259 And all of these people 00:20:42.259 --> 00:20:43.359 are interested in Him. 00:20:43.620 --> 00:20:44.680 All of these people 00:20:44.680 --> 00:20:46.880 want to hear what Jesus has to say. 00:20:47.180 --> 00:20:48.420 There's a lot of interest 00:20:48.420 --> 00:20:51.059 that they're showing in Jesus. 00:20:51.779 --> 00:20:52.000 And so, 00:20:52.059 --> 00:20:53.599 He was speaking to a group of people 00:20:53.599 --> 00:20:55.000 that claim to love Him 00:20:55.000 --> 00:20:55.859 and His words, 00:20:56.420 --> 00:20:57.779 that on the outside, 00:20:58.220 --> 00:21:00.039 everyone's looks the same. 00:21:00.620 --> 00:21:00.940 And so, 00:21:00.980 --> 00:21:02.759 He doesn't look in one direction 00:21:02.759 --> 00:21:03.539 they're preaching 00:21:03.539 --> 00:21:04.059 and say, 00:21:04.140 --> 00:21:04.559 you know what? 00:21:04.759 --> 00:21:06.079 This group of people, 00:21:06.519 --> 00:21:07.920 y'all built your house 00:21:07.920 --> 00:21:08.580 on the firm foundation. 00:21:08.660 --> 00:21:09.740 You built your house 00:21:09.740 --> 00:21:10.440 on the rock. 00:21:10.779 --> 00:21:11.539 You're the ones 00:21:11.539 --> 00:21:13.000 that when the storm comes 00:21:13.000 --> 00:21:14.539 and when everything happens, 00:21:14.800 --> 00:21:15.759 your foundation 00:21:15.759 --> 00:21:17.039 will remain secure. 00:21:17.620 --> 00:21:18.480 He doesn't look out 00:21:18.480 --> 00:21:19.480 at one group of people 00:21:19.480 --> 00:21:20.180 and say this 00:21:20.180 --> 00:21:20.840 and then walk over 00:21:20.840 --> 00:21:22.460 to another group of people 00:21:22.460 --> 00:21:23.620 who are living sinful lives. 00:21:23.660 --> 00:21:24.320 And I'm not saying 00:21:24.320 --> 00:21:25.740 you're living sinful lives over here. 00:21:25.800 --> 00:21:27.560 I'm just making a distinction. 00:21:27.680 --> 00:21:28.420 He doesn't go over 00:21:28.420 --> 00:21:29.519 to another group 00:21:29.519 --> 00:21:30.360 and say, 00:21:30.660 --> 00:21:30.800 well, 00:21:30.860 --> 00:21:32.000 you're building your house 00:21:32.000 --> 00:21:32.600 on the sand. 00:21:32.920 --> 00:21:34.560 Your foundation is not secure. 00:21:34.920 --> 00:21:35.920 When the storm comes, 00:21:36.019 --> 00:21:37.039 your house will fall. 00:21:37.039 --> 00:21:38.279 He's looking out 00:21:38.279 --> 00:21:39.460 at a group of people 00:21:39.460 --> 00:21:41.059 that on the outside, 00:21:41.359 --> 00:21:43.399 everybody looks the same. 00:21:43.720 --> 00:21:44.940 Everybody appears 00:21:44.940 --> 00:21:45.619 to be the same. 00:21:45.700 --> 00:21:46.420 He does 00:21:46.420 --> 00:21:47.720 what every preacher 00:21:47.720 --> 00:21:48.299 in the world 00:21:48.299 --> 00:21:49.440 does every week. 00:21:49.799 --> 00:21:50.639 He looks out 00:21:50.639 --> 00:21:51.659 at a group of people 00:21:51.659 --> 00:21:53.200 that are there 00:21:53.200 --> 00:21:54.079 because they choose 00:21:54.079 --> 00:21:54.759 to be there. 00:21:55.240 --> 00:21:55.980 That listen 00:21:55.980 --> 00:21:57.240 to the words of God 00:21:57.240 --> 00:21:58.779 and on the outside, 00:21:58.940 --> 00:21:59.700 they look identical. 00:21:59.920 --> 00:22:00.519 And He says, 00:22:00.700 --> 00:22:01.940 the wise person 00:22:01.940 --> 00:22:04.559 hears these words of mine 00:22:04.559 --> 00:22:05.839 and does them. 00:22:06.480 --> 00:22:07.779 And the foolish person 00:22:07.779 --> 00:22:09.240 hears these words of mine 00:22:09.240 --> 00:22:11.200 and does not do them. 00:22:11.919 --> 00:22:13.039 Both have come 00:22:13.039 --> 00:22:13.940 to hear the word, 00:22:13.940 --> 00:22:15.519 but only one 00:22:15.519 --> 00:22:17.519 actually does them. 00:22:18.240 --> 00:22:18.720 You see, 00:22:18.799 --> 00:22:20.119 there's going to be 00:22:20.119 --> 00:22:21.619 another shaking. 00:22:22.159 --> 00:22:22.839 A storm 00:22:22.839 --> 00:22:23.980 where our foundation 00:22:23.980 --> 00:22:25.700 will be put to the test. 00:22:26.240 --> 00:22:27.240 If we reject 00:22:27.240 --> 00:22:27.839 the message 00:22:27.839 --> 00:22:28.679 of the gospel, 00:22:29.240 --> 00:22:30.379 then we will rightly 00:22:30.379 --> 00:22:31.299 experience 00:22:31.299 --> 00:22:32.480 the wrath of God. 00:22:33.500 --> 00:22:34.799 And so as your pastor, 00:22:36.000 --> 00:22:36.879 I urge you 00:22:36.879 --> 00:22:38.759 to clearly hear 00:22:38.759 --> 00:22:39.639 the message 00:22:39.639 --> 00:22:40.399 of the gospel. 00:22:40.879 --> 00:22:42.259 But not just hear it, 00:22:42.659 --> 00:22:43.740 but believe it. 00:22:43.980 --> 00:22:45.019 To trust it. 00:22:45.460 --> 00:22:46.319 Don't try to 00:22:46.319 --> 00:22:47.460 look the part. 00:22:47.579 --> 00:22:48.159 Don't try to 00:22:48.159 --> 00:22:49.419 fool yourself 00:22:49.419 --> 00:22:50.819 or fool those around you 00:22:50.819 --> 00:22:52.099 by looking the part. 00:22:52.339 --> 00:22:53.220 Because here's the thing, 00:22:53.480 --> 00:22:54.180 you're going to be able 00:22:54.180 --> 00:22:55.700 to fool me pretty easily. 00:22:55.980 --> 00:22:56.700 You're going to be able 00:22:56.700 --> 00:22:57.440 to fool others 00:22:57.440 --> 00:22:58.720 around you pretty easily. 00:22:58.720 --> 00:23:00.220 You may even at times 00:23:00.220 --> 00:23:01.579 be able to fool yourself. 00:23:02.200 --> 00:23:03.120 But what we're saying 00:23:03.120 --> 00:23:04.039 is if you're putting 00:23:04.039 --> 00:23:04.920 your faith 00:23:04.920 --> 00:23:06.079 and your trust 00:23:06.079 --> 00:23:07.779 and doing enough, 00:23:08.019 --> 00:23:08.920 being enough, 00:23:09.120 --> 00:23:10.600 going back to living 00:23:10.600 --> 00:23:11.880 a good enough life 00:23:11.880 --> 00:23:12.559 and trying to 00:23:12.559 --> 00:23:13.900 do it yourself 00:23:13.900 --> 00:23:15.059 and not looking 00:23:15.059 --> 00:23:15.720 to Jesus, 00:23:16.880 --> 00:23:17.640 then this warning 00:23:17.640 --> 00:23:18.360 is for you. 00:23:19.220 --> 00:23:20.380 You've got to put 00:23:20.380 --> 00:23:21.000 your faith 00:23:21.000 --> 00:23:21.980 and your trust 00:23:21.980 --> 00:23:22.920 in Him. 00:23:23.519 --> 00:23:24.299 So the question 00:23:24.299 --> 00:23:24.880 we must ask, 00:23:24.940 --> 00:23:25.920 do we believe this? 00:23:26.740 --> 00:23:28.039 If this is something 00:23:28.039 --> 00:23:28.680 that you need 00:23:28.680 --> 00:23:29.539 to get right 00:23:29.539 --> 00:23:31.139 and get done, 00:23:32.180 --> 00:23:32.920 then make sure 00:23:32.920 --> 00:23:33.759 that it happens today. 00:23:33.879 --> 00:23:34.319 None of us 00:23:34.319 --> 00:23:35.299 are promised tomorrow. 00:23:35.899 --> 00:23:37.440 So let us put our faith 00:23:37.440 --> 00:23:38.680 and our trust in Jesus. 00:23:39.399 --> 00:23:40.319 But in addition 00:23:40.319 --> 00:23:41.220 to this warning, 00:23:41.519 --> 00:23:42.899 we see the results 00:23:42.899 --> 00:23:43.500 of a life 00:23:43.500 --> 00:23:44.779 that is fixed on Jesus. 00:23:45.379 --> 00:23:46.319 And so we're answering 00:23:46.319 --> 00:23:46.839 the question, 00:23:46.960 --> 00:23:47.460 how can we 00:23:47.460 --> 00:23:49.279 confidently approach God? 00:23:49.420 --> 00:23:50.480 And the only answer 00:23:50.480 --> 00:23:52.119 to that is if Jesus Christ 00:23:52.119 --> 00:23:53.139 is our mediator. 00:23:53.619 --> 00:23:54.440 The author says, 00:23:54.539 --> 00:23:54.639 hey, 00:23:54.680 --> 00:23:55.940 don't miss this. 00:23:55.940 --> 00:23:57.920 Don't try to skip 00:23:57.920 --> 00:23:58.640 this part. 00:23:58.799 --> 00:24:00.600 Don't miss the gospel. 00:24:01.279 --> 00:24:02.980 But then what we finally see 00:24:02.980 --> 00:24:04.820 is worship 00:24:04.820 --> 00:24:06.160 is the result 00:24:06.160 --> 00:24:07.039 of a relationship 00:24:07.039 --> 00:24:07.880 with Jesus. 00:24:08.680 --> 00:24:09.420 Worship 00:24:09.420 --> 00:24:10.880 is the product 00:24:10.880 --> 00:24:12.000 of a relationship 00:24:12.000 --> 00:24:13.340 with Jesus. 00:24:14.120 --> 00:24:15.480 Listen to verses 28 00:24:15.480 --> 00:24:16.240 and 29. 00:24:16.779 --> 00:24:17.100 Therefore, 00:24:17.360 --> 00:24:18.519 let us be grateful 00:24:18.519 --> 00:24:19.980 for receiving a kingdom 00:24:19.980 --> 00:24:21.920 that cannot be shaken. 00:24:21.920 --> 00:24:23.140 And thus, 00:24:23.240 --> 00:24:24.779 let us offer to God 00:24:24.779 --> 00:24:26.620 acceptable worship 00:24:26.620 --> 00:24:28.160 with reverence 00:24:28.160 --> 00:24:28.920 and awe 00:24:28.920 --> 00:24:29.920 for our God 00:24:29.920 --> 00:24:32.460 is a consuming fire. 00:24:33.259 --> 00:24:34.480 The first thing 00:24:34.480 --> 00:24:35.039 that the author 00:24:35.039 --> 00:24:35.920 tells us here 00:24:35.920 --> 00:24:36.600 in this passage 00:24:36.600 --> 00:24:37.660 is understanding 00:24:37.660 --> 00:24:38.660 who Jesus is 00:24:38.660 --> 00:24:39.620 and what he's done 00:24:39.620 --> 00:24:40.259 for us 00:24:40.259 --> 00:24:41.380 will lead 00:24:41.380 --> 00:24:42.080 to a life 00:24:42.080 --> 00:24:43.519 of thankfulness. 00:24:43.960 --> 00:24:45.019 It will lead us 00:24:45.019 --> 00:24:46.019 to being thankful. 00:24:46.580 --> 00:24:47.519 And thankfulness 00:24:47.519 --> 00:24:48.160 is the mark 00:24:48.160 --> 00:24:48.900 of a believer. 00:24:49.420 --> 00:24:50.220 And a lack 00:24:50.220 --> 00:24:51.059 of thankfulness 00:24:51.059 --> 00:24:51.600 is a mark 00:24:51.600 --> 00:24:52.460 of an unbeliever. 00:24:52.839 --> 00:24:53.880 If you think about it, 00:24:54.100 --> 00:24:55.039 when we truly 00:24:55.039 --> 00:24:56.200 understand the gospel 00:24:56.200 --> 00:24:56.839 message 00:24:56.839 --> 00:24:58.440 that we are sinners 00:24:58.440 --> 00:24:59.960 and that there's nothing 00:24:59.960 --> 00:25:00.779 that we can do 00:25:00.779 --> 00:25:01.860 to save ourselves 00:25:01.860 --> 00:25:02.620 and that God 00:25:02.620 --> 00:25:03.539 left the glory 00:25:03.539 --> 00:25:04.059 of heaven, 00:25:04.559 --> 00:25:05.279 lived the life 00:25:05.279 --> 00:25:06.200 we couldn't live, 00:25:06.600 --> 00:25:07.380 died the death 00:25:07.380 --> 00:25:08.319 that we deserve, 00:25:08.759 --> 00:25:09.700 then we can't 00:25:09.700 --> 00:25:10.559 truly understand 00:25:10.559 --> 00:25:11.500 that without being 00:25:11.500 --> 00:25:12.620 thankful to God. 00:25:13.079 --> 00:25:13.839 Without saying, 00:25:14.200 --> 00:25:14.860 praise God, 00:25:14.960 --> 00:25:15.640 you did 00:25:15.640 --> 00:25:17.180 what I couldn't do. 00:25:17.400 --> 00:25:18.100 I would have 00:25:18.100 --> 00:25:18.759 no hope 00:25:18.759 --> 00:25:20.000 outside of you. 00:25:20.400 --> 00:25:20.940 Thank you, 00:25:21.039 --> 00:25:21.319 Jesus, 00:25:21.500 --> 00:25:22.019 for the blood. 00:25:22.339 --> 00:25:22.839 Thank you 00:25:22.839 --> 00:25:23.500 for what you 00:25:23.500 --> 00:25:24.279 have accomplished 00:25:24.279 --> 00:25:25.240 for me. 00:25:25.539 --> 00:25:25.859 And so, 00:25:25.980 --> 00:25:26.660 understanding this 00:25:26.660 --> 00:25:27.460 leads to a life 00:25:27.460 --> 00:25:28.279 of thankfulness. 00:25:28.339 --> 00:25:29.400 But the next thing 00:25:29.400 --> 00:25:31.359 the author tells us 00:25:31.359 --> 00:25:31.779 to do 00:25:31.779 --> 00:25:33.220 is to worship. 00:25:33.980 --> 00:25:35.019 And I also believe 00:25:35.019 --> 00:25:35.680 that the order 00:25:35.680 --> 00:25:36.559 is significant here. 00:25:36.779 --> 00:25:37.640 We're thankful 00:25:37.640 --> 00:25:39.039 for this gospel message. 00:25:39.180 --> 00:25:39.799 We're thankful 00:25:39.799 --> 00:25:40.660 for what it means 00:25:40.660 --> 00:25:41.160 for us. 00:25:41.420 --> 00:25:42.180 And out of that 00:25:42.180 --> 00:25:43.200 thankful heart, 00:25:43.359 --> 00:25:44.180 we understand 00:25:44.180 --> 00:25:45.319 that we naturally 00:25:45.319 --> 00:25:47.500 move to worship God. 00:25:48.059 --> 00:25:48.359 And so, 00:25:48.359 --> 00:25:50.299 worship is the result 00:25:50.299 --> 00:25:51.579 of a relationship 00:25:51.579 --> 00:25:52.859 with Jesus. 00:25:54.019 --> 00:25:55.819 Worship is the result 00:25:55.819 --> 00:25:56.919 of a relationship 00:25:56.919 --> 00:25:57.539 with Him. 00:25:58.199 --> 00:25:59.500 And when you look 00:25:59.500 --> 00:26:00.259 at the creation, 00:26:00.439 --> 00:26:01.439 this all makes sense. 00:26:01.519 --> 00:26:02.179 When you go back 00:26:02.179 --> 00:26:03.879 to God's creation 00:26:03.879 --> 00:26:04.740 back in Genesis, 00:26:04.740 --> 00:26:06.059 this makes sense. 00:26:06.459 --> 00:26:07.699 When God created 00:26:07.699 --> 00:26:08.519 Adam and Eve, 00:26:08.719 --> 00:26:09.599 we are told that 00:26:09.599 --> 00:26:11.079 He placed Adam and Eve 00:26:11.079 --> 00:26:11.659 in the garden 00:26:11.659 --> 00:26:13.000 to work it 00:26:13.000 --> 00:26:14.019 and to keep it. 00:26:14.460 --> 00:26:15.440 To work it 00:26:15.440 --> 00:26:16.359 and to keep it. 00:26:16.680 --> 00:26:17.500 John Salehammer, 00:26:17.819 --> 00:26:19.759 a Hebrew scholar, 00:26:19.900 --> 00:26:20.519 he notes that 00:26:20.519 --> 00:26:22.000 these same words 00:26:22.000 --> 00:26:22.859 that are translated here 00:26:22.859 --> 00:26:23.799 as to work it 00:26:23.799 --> 00:26:24.519 and keep it 00:26:24.519 --> 00:26:26.000 are used in other places 00:26:26.000 --> 00:26:27.180 typically 00:26:27.180 --> 00:26:28.500 in the life 00:26:28.500 --> 00:26:29.180 of the priest 00:26:29.180 --> 00:26:29.740 in the temple 00:26:29.740 --> 00:26:31.039 when they are working 00:26:31.039 --> 00:26:32.019 and keeping 00:26:32.019 --> 00:26:32.619 in the temple. 00:26:32.839 --> 00:26:33.099 And so, 00:26:33.359 --> 00:26:34.099 in those places, 00:26:34.180 --> 00:26:34.599 oftentimes, 00:26:34.740 --> 00:26:35.339 it's translated 00:26:35.339 --> 00:26:36.339 as worship 00:26:36.339 --> 00:26:37.259 and obeying. 00:26:37.839 --> 00:26:38.099 And so, 00:26:38.220 --> 00:26:38.960 what we see 00:26:38.960 --> 00:26:40.160 from the very beginning 00:26:40.160 --> 00:26:42.320 is that we were created 00:26:42.320 --> 00:26:43.500 to work it 00:26:43.500 --> 00:26:44.019 and to keep it 00:26:44.019 --> 00:26:44.720 to worship 00:26:44.720 --> 00:26:46.560 and obey God. 00:26:46.700 --> 00:26:48.320 We were all created 00:26:48.320 --> 00:26:50.220 for worship. 00:26:50.900 --> 00:26:51.620 Sin, however, 00:26:51.779 --> 00:26:53.140 destroyed our relationship 00:26:53.140 --> 00:26:53.840 with God 00:26:53.840 --> 00:26:54.980 and we began 00:26:54.980 --> 00:26:55.740 to worship 00:26:55.740 --> 00:26:57.019 other things. 00:26:57.519 --> 00:26:57.720 Now, 00:26:57.800 --> 00:26:58.660 we still did 00:26:58.660 --> 00:26:59.340 what we were created. 00:26:59.400 --> 00:26:59.980 We still do 00:26:59.980 --> 00:27:01.040 what we were created for. 00:27:01.320 --> 00:27:02.120 We worship, 00:27:02.500 --> 00:27:03.160 but now, 00:27:03.279 --> 00:27:03.860 the object 00:27:03.860 --> 00:27:04.680 of our worship 00:27:04.680 --> 00:27:05.480 changes. 00:27:06.340 --> 00:27:07.400 Romans 1, 25 00:27:07.400 --> 00:27:08.000 says 00:27:08.000 --> 00:27:09.519 that we have 00:27:09.519 --> 00:27:11.200 exchanged the truth 00:27:11.200 --> 00:27:11.900 about God 00:27:11.900 --> 00:27:12.619 for a lie 00:27:12.619 --> 00:27:14.180 and worshipped 00:27:14.180 --> 00:27:15.039 and served 00:27:15.039 --> 00:27:15.819 the creature 00:27:15.819 --> 00:27:16.839 rather than 00:27:16.839 --> 00:27:17.519 the creator 00:27:17.519 --> 00:27:18.799 who is blessed 00:27:18.799 --> 00:27:19.740 forever. 00:27:20.480 --> 00:27:21.079 You see, 00:27:21.180 --> 00:27:22.079 we all worship. 00:27:22.759 --> 00:27:23.559 The question 00:27:23.559 --> 00:27:24.559 that we must ask 00:27:24.559 --> 00:27:25.319 is what 00:27:25.319 --> 00:27:26.180 or whom 00:27:26.180 --> 00:27:27.779 are we worshiping? 00:27:28.599 --> 00:27:29.319 And oftentimes, 00:27:29.980 --> 00:27:30.980 in our minds, 00:27:31.639 --> 00:27:32.519 we tend 00:27:32.519 --> 00:27:34.039 to think 00:27:34.039 --> 00:27:34.619 of worship 00:27:34.619 --> 00:27:36.019 in only terms 00:27:36.019 --> 00:27:36.879 of singing 00:27:36.879 --> 00:27:37.859 or what we do 00:27:37.859 --> 00:27:38.460 when we come 00:27:38.460 --> 00:27:39.119 to church 00:27:39.119 --> 00:27:39.179 church. 00:27:40.099 --> 00:27:41.199 There's no doubt 00:27:41.199 --> 00:27:42.779 that when we sing, 00:27:42.879 --> 00:27:43.579 when we open up 00:27:43.579 --> 00:27:44.219 our hymnals 00:27:44.219 --> 00:27:45.239 and we sing 00:27:45.239 --> 00:27:46.079 praises to God, 00:27:46.199 --> 00:27:47.559 that is worship. 00:27:47.839 --> 00:27:49.339 No doubt about that. 00:27:49.979 --> 00:27:50.719 But worship 00:27:50.719 --> 00:27:52.299 should be an act 00:27:52.299 --> 00:27:53.339 of our lives. 00:27:53.659 --> 00:27:54.279 We should be giving 00:27:54.279 --> 00:27:55.599 our lives to God 00:27:55.599 --> 00:27:56.939 in worship. 00:27:57.779 --> 00:27:58.539 Years ago 00:27:58.539 --> 00:27:59.279 when I was a 00:27:59.279 --> 00:28:00.639 youth pastor, 00:28:00.719 --> 00:28:01.159 and that's hard 00:28:01.159 --> 00:28:02.099 for me to say sometimes, 00:28:02.479 --> 00:28:03.339 years ago 00:28:03.339 --> 00:28:04.339 when I was a youth pastor, 00:28:04.739 --> 00:28:05.259 it seems like 00:28:05.259 --> 00:28:05.919 just yesterday, 00:28:06.179 --> 00:28:07.239 but years ago 00:28:07.239 --> 00:28:08.059 when I was a youth pastor, 00:28:08.059 --> 00:28:08.980 one of the things 00:28:08.980 --> 00:28:10.079 that we did 00:28:10.079 --> 00:28:12.799 every single fall 00:28:12.799 --> 00:28:14.079 is we took the kids 00:28:14.079 --> 00:28:14.779 on a retreat 00:28:14.779 --> 00:28:15.960 and we called 00:28:15.960 --> 00:28:16.759 this retreat 00:28:16.759 --> 00:28:17.960 Live to Worship. 00:28:18.559 --> 00:28:20.099 And the whole point 00:28:20.099 --> 00:28:21.019 of this retreat 00:28:21.019 --> 00:28:22.000 was for us 00:28:22.000 --> 00:28:23.559 to see our lives 00:28:23.559 --> 00:28:24.139 as an act 00:28:24.139 --> 00:28:24.579 of worship. 00:28:25.039 --> 00:28:25.980 Sometimes I would have 00:28:25.980 --> 00:28:26.539 Clay come 00:28:26.539 --> 00:28:27.359 and lead worship, 00:28:27.799 --> 00:28:28.599 lead songs. 00:28:29.279 --> 00:28:30.519 Sometimes we intentionally 00:28:30.519 --> 00:28:31.899 didn't do that 00:28:31.899 --> 00:28:33.039 because we wanted 00:28:33.039 --> 00:28:34.000 to make the point 00:28:34.000 --> 00:28:34.859 very clear 00:28:34.859 --> 00:28:36.220 that life 00:28:36.220 --> 00:28:36.980 is worship. 00:28:37.539 --> 00:28:38.259 And so what we 00:28:38.259 --> 00:28:39.359 understand is that 00:28:39.359 --> 00:28:40.579 as believers, 00:28:41.039 --> 00:28:42.079 the way that we 00:28:42.079 --> 00:28:43.640 interact at work 00:28:43.640 --> 00:28:44.559 is worship. 00:28:44.920 --> 00:28:45.680 The way that we 00:28:45.680 --> 00:28:46.819 do our jobs 00:28:46.819 --> 00:28:47.519 should be worship. 00:28:47.640 --> 00:28:48.259 The way that we 00:28:48.259 --> 00:28:49.660 love our spouse 00:28:49.660 --> 00:28:50.480 should be worship. 00:28:50.559 --> 00:28:51.059 The way that we 00:28:51.059 --> 00:28:51.920 raise our kids 00:28:51.920 --> 00:28:52.839 should be worship. 00:28:52.940 --> 00:28:53.559 The way that we 00:28:53.559 --> 00:28:54.680 honor our father 00:28:54.680 --> 00:28:55.119 and mother 00:28:55.119 --> 00:28:55.700 should be worship. 00:28:55.740 --> 00:28:56.259 The way that we 00:28:56.259 --> 00:28:57.140 drive our cars, 00:28:57.140 --> 00:28:57.720 the way that we 00:28:57.720 --> 00:28:59.200 live our lives, 00:28:59.640 --> 00:29:00.259 everything 00:29:00.259 --> 00:29:01.880 should be worship 00:29:01.880 --> 00:29:02.940 to God. 00:29:02.940 --> 00:29:03.660 It's not something 00:29:03.660 --> 00:29:04.380 we turn on 00:29:04.380 --> 00:29:05.900 and we turn off. 00:29:06.400 --> 00:29:07.360 But during this 00:29:07.360 --> 00:29:08.440 retreat one year 00:29:08.440 --> 00:29:10.080 at Lived Worship, 00:29:10.220 --> 00:29:11.279 we had everyone 00:29:11.279 --> 00:29:13.080 take an idolatry 00:29:13.080 --> 00:29:14.299 detector test, 00:29:14.660 --> 00:29:15.340 an idolatry 00:29:15.340 --> 00:29:16.140 detection test. 00:29:16.500 --> 00:29:17.360 It went along 00:29:17.360 --> 00:29:18.240 with a Bible study 00:29:18.240 --> 00:29:18.940 that some of our 00:29:18.940 --> 00:29:19.660 youth were doing 00:29:19.660 --> 00:29:20.240 at the time 00:29:20.240 --> 00:29:21.059 and we thought 00:29:21.059 --> 00:29:21.440 it would be a 00:29:21.440 --> 00:29:22.000 great thing 00:29:22.000 --> 00:29:22.700 for everybody 00:29:22.700 --> 00:29:23.440 to do. 00:29:23.900 --> 00:29:24.559 And so what we 00:29:24.559 --> 00:29:25.480 did was we had 00:29:25.480 --> 00:29:26.340 everybody in the room 00:29:26.340 --> 00:29:26.759 and we started 00:29:26.759 --> 00:29:28.120 asking some 00:29:28.120 --> 00:29:29.080 fill-in-the-blank 00:29:29.080 --> 00:29:30.400 responses and 00:29:30.400 --> 00:29:31.240 some questions 00:29:31.240 --> 00:29:32.240 that would help 00:29:32.240 --> 00:29:33.140 us to see 00:29:33.140 --> 00:29:33.920 what it is 00:29:33.920 --> 00:29:34.700 that we put 00:29:34.700 --> 00:29:35.220 an emphasis 00:29:35.220 --> 00:29:35.960 on in our 00:29:35.960 --> 00:29:36.900 lives. 00:29:37.420 --> 00:29:37.960 And so here's 00:29:37.960 --> 00:29:38.559 a few of those 00:29:38.559 --> 00:29:39.160 things that we 00:29:39.160 --> 00:29:39.900 asked them. 00:29:40.319 --> 00:29:40.940 The first was 00:29:40.940 --> 00:29:42.059 a fill-in-the-blank 00:29:42.059 --> 00:29:43.579 and it was this, 00:29:44.299 --> 00:29:45.440 the thing I'd be 00:29:45.440 --> 00:29:46.500 most worried 00:29:46.500 --> 00:29:47.299 about losing 00:29:47.299 --> 00:29:49.059 is blank. 00:29:50.460 --> 00:29:51.579 The thing that 00:29:51.579 --> 00:29:52.299 I'd be most 00:29:52.299 --> 00:29:53.259 worried about losing 00:29:53.259 --> 00:29:54.480 is blank. 00:29:55.519 --> 00:29:56.319 What would you 00:29:56.319 --> 00:29:57.120 put in that blank? 00:29:58.120 --> 00:29:58.759 What would you 00:29:58.759 --> 00:29:59.700 put in that spot? 00:29:59.700 --> 00:30:01.380 The next was 00:30:01.380 --> 00:30:01.960 the thing I'd 00:30:01.960 --> 00:30:02.660 be most worried 00:30:02.660 --> 00:30:03.720 about never 00:30:03.720 --> 00:30:04.880 attaining is 00:30:04.880 --> 00:30:05.360 blank. 00:30:06.200 --> 00:30:07.200 What is it that 00:30:07.200 --> 00:30:08.160 you're giving 00:30:08.160 --> 00:30:09.000 your life to 00:30:09.000 --> 00:30:09.240 getting? 00:30:09.799 --> 00:30:10.500 What is it that 00:30:10.500 --> 00:30:11.319 you're trying to 00:30:11.319 --> 00:30:12.200 attain in this 00:30:12.200 --> 00:30:13.680 life that you're 00:30:13.680 --> 00:30:14.539 spending all of 00:30:14.539 --> 00:30:15.299 your time and all 00:30:15.299 --> 00:30:16.140 of your resources 00:30:16.140 --> 00:30:16.620 on? 00:30:16.920 --> 00:30:17.600 What would you 00:30:17.600 --> 00:30:18.340 put in that 00:30:18.340 --> 00:30:19.700 fill-in-the-blank? 00:30:20.640 --> 00:30:21.440 The question 00:30:21.440 --> 00:30:22.039 that we had them 00:30:22.039 --> 00:30:23.580 ask is throughout 00:30:23.580 --> 00:30:24.519 your life, 00:30:25.100 --> 00:30:25.779 what have you 00:30:25.779 --> 00:30:26.920 been most willing 00:30:26.920 --> 00:30:28.080 to sacrifice 00:30:28.080 --> 00:30:28.720 for? 00:30:29.600 --> 00:30:29.980 You see, 00:30:30.100 --> 00:30:30.800 worship and 00:30:30.800 --> 00:30:32.039 sacrifice always 00:30:32.039 --> 00:30:33.180 go hand in 00:30:33.180 --> 00:30:33.500 hand. 00:30:33.880 --> 00:30:34.480 You're willing 00:30:34.480 --> 00:30:35.560 to sacrifice 00:30:35.560 --> 00:30:37.019 to gain whatever 00:30:37.019 --> 00:30:37.880 is most valuable 00:30:37.880 --> 00:30:38.500 to you. 00:30:38.880 --> 00:30:39.660 You're willing 00:30:39.660 --> 00:30:40.680 to give things 00:30:40.680 --> 00:30:41.360 up if there's 00:30:41.360 --> 00:30:41.820 something that 00:30:41.820 --> 00:30:42.200 you're going 00:30:42.200 --> 00:30:43.200 to gain that 00:30:43.200 --> 00:30:44.019 is better than 00:30:44.019 --> 00:30:44.340 what you're 00:30:44.340 --> 00:30:44.980 giving up. 00:30:45.259 --> 00:30:45.980 We're all 00:30:45.980 --> 00:30:46.660 willing to 00:30:46.660 --> 00:30:48.060 sacrifice in 00:30:48.060 --> 00:30:49.080 order to gain 00:30:49.080 --> 00:30:49.940 something that 00:30:49.940 --> 00:30:50.779 we see as 00:30:50.779 --> 00:30:52.100 more valuable. 00:30:52.740 --> 00:30:53.019 And so, 00:30:53.279 --> 00:30:53.880 how would you 00:30:53.880 --> 00:30:55.640 answer that 00:30:55.640 --> 00:30:56.100 question? 00:30:56.920 --> 00:30:57.759 Another one, 00:30:57.860 --> 00:30:58.320 what has made 00:30:58.320 --> 00:30:59.080 you most bitter 00:30:59.080 --> 00:30:59.720 in life? 00:31:00.660 --> 00:31:01.400 Bitterness almost 00:31:01.400 --> 00:31:02.660 always points to 00:31:02.660 --> 00:31:03.460 something that has 00:31:03.460 --> 00:31:04.320 a great weight 00:31:04.320 --> 00:31:05.080 in our life 00:31:05.080 --> 00:31:06.060 that we've missed 00:31:06.060 --> 00:31:06.680 out on. 00:31:06.980 --> 00:31:07.720 What is it that 00:31:07.720 --> 00:31:08.259 we're holding 00:31:08.259 --> 00:31:08.940 on to saying, 00:31:09.340 --> 00:31:10.080 if this just 00:31:10.080 --> 00:31:10.980 hadn't happened, 00:31:11.200 --> 00:31:12.140 if this person 00:31:12.140 --> 00:31:12.900 hadn't said this, 00:31:12.940 --> 00:31:13.539 if they hadn't 00:31:13.539 --> 00:31:14.039 done that, 00:31:14.300 --> 00:31:15.279 then my life 00:31:15.279 --> 00:31:15.940 would be great. 00:31:16.000 --> 00:31:16.660 Is there something 00:31:16.660 --> 00:31:17.340 that you're holding 00:31:17.340 --> 00:31:18.720 on to that is 00:31:18.720 --> 00:31:19.480 causing this 00:31:19.480 --> 00:31:19.840 bitterness? 00:31:21.019 --> 00:31:21.580 Or here's a 00:31:21.580 --> 00:31:22.640 tough one. 00:31:23.300 --> 00:31:23.900 What are you 00:31:23.900 --> 00:31:24.840 willing to lie 00:31:24.840 --> 00:31:25.259 for? 00:31:25.259 --> 00:31:26.920 What are you 00:31:26.920 --> 00:31:27.799 willing to lie 00:31:27.799 --> 00:31:28.099 for? 00:31:28.200 --> 00:31:28.940 Most of us 00:31:28.940 --> 00:31:29.960 don't lie 00:31:29.960 --> 00:31:30.559 for the fun 00:31:30.559 --> 00:31:30.920 of it. 00:31:31.579 --> 00:31:32.339 Most of us 00:31:32.339 --> 00:31:33.019 understand that's 00:31:33.019 --> 00:31:33.480 not a good 00:31:33.480 --> 00:31:33.740 thing. 00:31:33.859 --> 00:31:34.359 Usually, 00:31:34.680 --> 00:31:35.960 when you lie, 00:31:36.079 --> 00:31:36.460 it's because 00:31:36.460 --> 00:31:37.299 you're protecting 00:31:37.299 --> 00:31:38.039 an idol, 00:31:38.539 --> 00:31:39.500 like your 00:31:39.500 --> 00:31:40.079 reputation 00:31:40.079 --> 00:31:41.200 or your 00:31:41.200 --> 00:31:41.640 comfort. 00:31:42.599 --> 00:31:43.299 So what is it 00:31:43.299 --> 00:31:43.619 that you're 00:31:43.619 --> 00:31:44.220 willing to 00:31:44.220 --> 00:31:45.019 lie for? 00:31:46.160 --> 00:31:46.799 And then 00:31:46.799 --> 00:31:47.220 finally, 00:31:47.359 --> 00:31:47.960 a question to 00:31:47.960 --> 00:31:48.460 think about 00:31:48.460 --> 00:31:49.099 is this, 00:31:49.559 --> 00:31:50.339 where do you 00:31:50.339 --> 00:31:51.140 turn for 00:31:51.140 --> 00:31:51.759 comfort? 00:31:51.759 --> 00:31:51.920 comfort? 00:31:52.640 --> 00:31:53.200 Where do you 00:31:53.200 --> 00:31:53.539 turn for 00:31:53.539 --> 00:31:53.900 comfort? 00:31:54.359 --> 00:31:55.000 If the day 00:31:55.000 --> 00:31:56.059 has been long 00:31:56.059 --> 00:31:56.660 and hard 00:31:56.660 --> 00:31:57.359 and stressful 00:31:57.359 --> 00:31:58.099 and it's just 00:31:58.099 --> 00:31:58.660 one of those 00:31:58.660 --> 00:31:58.960 days, 00:31:59.279 --> 00:31:59.900 where do you 00:31:59.900 --> 00:32:00.420 turn to 00:32:00.420 --> 00:32:00.839 make it 00:32:00.839 --> 00:32:01.160 better? 00:32:01.619 --> 00:32:02.099 Where do you 00:32:02.099 --> 00:32:02.539 turn to 00:32:02.539 --> 00:32:03.000 take your 00:32:03.000 --> 00:32:03.700 mind off 00:32:03.700 --> 00:32:04.019 of the 00:32:04.019 --> 00:32:04.619 difficulties, 00:32:04.819 --> 00:32:05.420 the stress, 00:32:05.480 --> 00:32:05.720 and the 00:32:05.720 --> 00:32:06.099 heartache 00:32:06.099 --> 00:32:06.420 that you 00:32:06.420 --> 00:32:06.779 have been 00:32:06.779 --> 00:32:07.799 experiencing? 00:32:08.240 --> 00:32:08.680 And so as 00:32:08.680 --> 00:32:09.319 we answer 00:32:09.319 --> 00:32:09.980 these questions, 00:32:10.079 --> 00:32:10.759 as we fill 00:32:10.759 --> 00:32:11.160 in these 00:32:11.160 --> 00:32:11.859 blanks, 00:32:12.220 --> 00:32:12.819 it sheds 00:32:12.819 --> 00:32:13.460 some light 00:32:13.460 --> 00:32:13.940 onto the 00:32:13.940 --> 00:32:14.420 things that 00:32:14.420 --> 00:32:14.879 are most 00:32:14.879 --> 00:32:15.339 important 00:32:15.339 --> 00:32:16.720 to us. 00:32:17.400 --> 00:32:17.900 These are 00:32:17.900 --> 00:32:18.599 all tough 00:32:18.599 --> 00:32:19.500 questions that 00:32:19.500 --> 00:32:20.200 ultimately 00:32:20.200 --> 00:32:21.259 are difficult 00:32:21.259 --> 00:32:21.799 for us 00:32:21.799 --> 00:32:22.360 to answer. 00:32:23.140 --> 00:32:23.799 But really 00:32:23.799 --> 00:32:24.279 what this 00:32:24.279 --> 00:32:25.059 all boils 00:32:25.059 --> 00:32:25.680 down to 00:32:25.680 --> 00:32:26.340 is this, 00:32:27.240 --> 00:32:27.980 is you 00:32:27.980 --> 00:32:28.700 will worship, 00:32:29.600 --> 00:32:30.180 you will 00:32:30.180 --> 00:32:30.860 go after, 00:32:31.240 --> 00:32:31.660 you will 00:32:31.660 --> 00:32:32.080 seek, 00:32:32.220 --> 00:32:32.460 you will 00:32:32.460 --> 00:32:33.299 go and 00:32:33.299 --> 00:32:33.720 try to 00:32:33.720 --> 00:32:34.380 find whatever 00:32:34.380 --> 00:32:34.920 it is that 00:32:34.920 --> 00:32:35.400 is most 00:32:35.400 --> 00:32:36.180 valuable to 00:32:36.180 --> 00:32:36.500 you. 00:32:36.980 --> 00:32:37.440 You will 00:32:37.440 --> 00:32:38.019 pursue, 00:32:38.720 --> 00:32:39.120 you will 00:32:39.120 --> 00:32:39.920 go after 00:32:39.920 --> 00:32:41.059 your greatest 00:32:41.059 --> 00:32:41.700 treasure. 00:32:42.480 --> 00:32:42.840 And so 00:32:42.840 --> 00:32:43.340 ultimately 00:32:43.340 --> 00:32:43.960 what this 00:32:43.960 --> 00:32:44.519 is showing 00:32:44.519 --> 00:32:45.759 us is that 00:32:45.759 --> 00:32:46.680 Jesus is 00:32:46.680 --> 00:32:47.279 our greatest 00:32:47.279 --> 00:32:47.779 treasure. 00:32:48.539 --> 00:32:49.220 Understanding 00:32:49.220 --> 00:32:50.380 who he is, 00:32:50.700 --> 00:32:51.140 that he's 00:32:51.140 --> 00:32:51.740 the only 00:32:51.740 --> 00:32:52.680 one that 00:32:52.680 --> 00:32:53.259 can bring 00:32:53.259 --> 00:32:53.759 us into 00:32:53.759 --> 00:32:54.380 the presence 00:32:54.380 --> 00:32:55.519 of a holy 00:32:55.519 --> 00:32:56.480 and just 00:32:56.480 --> 00:32:57.220 and perfect 00:32:57.220 --> 00:32:57.640 God, 00:32:57.880 --> 00:32:58.500 understanding 00:32:58.500 --> 00:32:58.900 that there 00:32:58.900 --> 00:32:59.460 is no 00:32:59.460 --> 00:32:59.960 other way 00:32:59.960 --> 00:33:00.500 apart from 00:33:00.500 --> 00:33:00.940 Jesus, 00:33:01.140 --> 00:33:01.860 will help 00:33:01.860 --> 00:33:02.460 us to see 00:33:02.460 --> 00:33:03.299 him as 00:33:03.299 --> 00:33:03.900 our greatest 00:33:03.900 --> 00:33:04.380 treasure. 00:33:04.819 --> 00:33:05.339 And as we 00:33:05.339 --> 00:33:06.339 see Jesus 00:33:06.339 --> 00:33:07.240 as our 00:33:07.240 --> 00:33:07.640 greatest 00:33:07.640 --> 00:33:08.140 treasure, 00:33:08.360 --> 00:33:08.839 then all 00:33:08.839 --> 00:33:09.240 of a sudden 00:33:09.240 --> 00:33:09.960 our lives 00:33:09.960 --> 00:33:10.799 fall in line. 00:33:11.059 --> 00:33:11.620 All of a 00:33:11.620 --> 00:33:12.039 sudden we 00:33:12.039 --> 00:33:12.640 go after, 00:33:12.740 --> 00:33:13.360 we pursue, 00:33:13.720 --> 00:33:14.380 we worship 00:33:14.380 --> 00:33:15.500 him because 00:33:15.500 --> 00:33:16.759 he is of 00:33:16.759 --> 00:33:18.279 utmost value 00:33:18.279 --> 00:33:19.099 to us. 00:33:19.720 --> 00:33:19.960 And so 00:33:19.960 --> 00:33:20.500 the question 00:33:20.500 --> 00:33:20.759 that we 00:33:20.759 --> 00:33:21.220 must all 00:33:21.220 --> 00:33:22.059 ask is, 00:33:22.319 --> 00:33:23.059 what is it 00:33:23.059 --> 00:33:23.359 that you're 00:33:23.359 --> 00:33:23.920 going after? 00:33:24.180 --> 00:33:24.759 Who is it 00:33:24.759 --> 00:33:25.079 that you're 00:33:25.079 --> 00:33:25.379 seeking? 00:33:25.740 --> 00:33:26.119 Have you 00:33:26.119 --> 00:33:26.799 placed your 00:33:26.799 --> 00:33:27.399 faith and 00:33:27.399 --> 00:33:27.920 your trust 00:33:27.920 --> 00:33:28.680 in Jesus 00:33:28.680 --> 00:33:29.619 to do 00:33:29.619 --> 00:33:30.379 what only 00:33:30.379 --> 00:33:30.980 he could 00:33:30.980 --> 00:33:31.839 do to 00:33:31.839 --> 00:33:32.339 save you 00:33:32.339 --> 00:33:32.759 from your 00:33:32.759 --> 00:33:33.220 sins? 00:33:33.619 --> 00:33:34.099 Father, 00:33:34.220 --> 00:33:34.599 we thank 00:33:34.599 --> 00:33:34.960 you so 00:33:34.960 --> 00:33:35.480 very much 00:33:35.480 --> 00:33:35.879 for this 00:33:35.879 --> 00:33:36.379 passage, 00:33:36.539 --> 00:33:36.740 Lord, 00:33:37.180 --> 00:33:37.759 a passage 00:33:37.759 --> 00:33:38.460 that causes 00:33:38.460 --> 00:33:38.980 us to 00:33:38.980 --> 00:33:39.440 look to 00:33:39.440 --> 00:33:40.019 the past 00:33:40.019 --> 00:33:40.680 as we 00:33:40.680 --> 00:33:41.180 look to 00:33:41.180 --> 00:33:41.740 the future, 00:33:42.200 --> 00:33:42.720 a passage 00:33:42.720 --> 00:33:43.299 that calls 00:33:43.299 --> 00:33:43.759 us to 00:33:43.759 --> 00:33:45.220 look at 00:33:45.220 --> 00:33:46.019 what it 00:33:46.019 --> 00:33:46.339 is that 00:33:46.339 --> 00:33:46.799 you've done 00:33:46.799 --> 00:33:47.599 for us, 00:33:47.599 --> 00:33:48.619 how there's 00:33:48.619 --> 00:33:49.359 no hope 00:33:49.359 --> 00:33:49.759 on our 00:33:49.759 --> 00:33:49.980 own, 00:33:50.039 --> 00:33:50.480 we can't 00:33:50.480 --> 00:33:50.919 do this 00:33:50.919 --> 00:33:51.179 on our 00:33:51.179 --> 00:33:51.279 own, 00:33:51.339 --> 00:33:51.859 we can't 00:33:51.859 --> 00:33:52.379 live a 00:33:52.379 --> 00:33:52.740 good enough 00:33:52.740 --> 00:33:53.000 life, 00:33:53.059 --> 00:33:53.399 we can't 00:33:53.399 --> 00:33:53.740 do all 00:33:53.740 --> 00:33:53.980 of these 00:33:53.980 --> 00:33:54.219 things, 00:33:54.339 --> 00:33:54.419 Lord, 00:33:54.500 --> 00:33:55.059 but you 00:33:55.059 --> 00:33:56.219 made a 00:33:56.219 --> 00:33:56.579 way. 00:33:57.219 --> 00:33:57.519 And so, 00:33:57.659 --> 00:33:57.819 Lord, 00:33:57.899 --> 00:33:58.279 I pray 00:33:58.279 --> 00:33:58.779 that there's 00:33:58.779 --> 00:33:59.399 someone here 00:33:59.399 --> 00:33:59.899 today, 00:34:00.559 --> 00:34:01.079 maybe it's 00:34:01.079 --> 00:34:01.679 their first 00:34:01.679 --> 00:34:02.159 time that 00:34:02.159 --> 00:34:02.639 they've ever 00:34:02.639 --> 00:34:03.399 been in 00:34:03.399 --> 00:34:03.879 this service, 00:34:04.000 --> 00:34:04.339 maybe it's 00:34:04.339 --> 00:34:05.219 their thousandth 00:34:05.219 --> 00:34:05.599 time, 00:34:06.159 --> 00:34:06.779 but maybe 00:34:06.779 --> 00:34:07.519 they're realizing 00:34:07.519 --> 00:34:08.139 today for 00:34:08.139 --> 00:34:08.599 the first 00:34:08.599 --> 00:34:08.940 time that 00:34:08.940 --> 00:34:09.400 they've been 00:34:09.400 --> 00:34:10.099 trying to 00:34:10.099 --> 00:34:10.480 save 00:34:10.480 --> 00:34:11.019 themselves, 00:34:11.480 --> 00:34:11.960 they've been 00:34:11.960 --> 00:34:12.440 putting their 00:34:12.440 --> 00:34:12.940 confidence, 00:34:13.179 --> 00:34:13.839 their trust, 00:34:14.139 --> 00:34:15.219 in being good 00:34:15.219 --> 00:34:15.539 enough, 00:34:15.659 --> 00:34:16.199 doing enough 00:34:16.199 --> 00:34:16.519 good, 00:34:16.639 --> 00:34:17.059 coming to 00:34:17.059 --> 00:34:17.559 church enough, 00:34:17.679 --> 00:34:18.419 tithing enough, 00:34:18.739 --> 00:34:19.279 praying enough, 00:34:19.339 --> 00:34:19.919 doing all of 00:34:19.919 --> 00:34:20.399 these things, 00:34:20.460 --> 00:34:21.099 and today 00:34:21.099 --> 00:34:22.319 they realize 00:34:22.319 --> 00:34:23.339 that the only 00:34:23.339 --> 00:34:24.500 hope we have 00:34:24.500 --> 00:34:25.359 in this life 00:34:25.359 --> 00:34:26.259 and the life 00:34:26.259 --> 00:34:27.359 to come is 00:34:27.359 --> 00:34:27.939 in the precious 00:34:27.939 --> 00:34:28.539 blood of 00:34:28.539 --> 00:34:28.899 Jesus. 00:34:29.379 --> 00:34:29.739 So, 00:34:29.879 --> 00:34:30.059 Lord, 00:34:30.119 --> 00:34:30.619 help us to 00:34:30.619 --> 00:34:31.019 see that 00:34:31.019 --> 00:34:32.079 clearly today. 00:34:32.599 --> 00:34:33.159 Help us to 00:34:33.159 --> 00:34:34.079 not miss 00:34:34.079 --> 00:34:34.539 this. 00:34:34.939 --> 00:34:35.460 Help us not 00:34:35.460 --> 00:34:36.239 to just skip 00:34:36.239 --> 00:34:36.779 over this 00:34:36.779 --> 00:34:38.279 vital truth 00:34:38.279 --> 00:34:38.919 to our faith 00:34:38.919 --> 00:34:39.559 and to grow 00:34:39.559 --> 00:34:40.379 deeper into 00:34:40.379 --> 00:34:40.679 it. 00:34:40.980 --> 00:34:41.159 And, 00:34:41.239 --> 00:34:41.399 Lord, 00:34:41.480 --> 00:34:41.980 I pray that 00:34:41.980 --> 00:34:42.559 for the rest 00:34:42.559 --> 00:34:43.039 of us, 00:34:43.279 --> 00:34:44.500 as we clearly 00:34:44.500 --> 00:34:45.739 see who 00:34:45.739 --> 00:34:46.339 you are, 00:34:46.539 --> 00:34:46.979 as we 00:34:46.979 --> 00:34:47.959 clearly see 00:34:47.959 --> 00:34:48.500 what you've 00:34:48.500 --> 00:34:49.019 done for 00:34:49.019 --> 00:34:49.399 us, 00:34:49.519 --> 00:34:50.599 it will lead 00:34:50.599 --> 00:34:51.239 to a heart 00:34:51.239 --> 00:34:51.899 that desires 00:34:51.899 --> 00:34:52.439 to worship 00:34:52.439 --> 00:34:53.279 you with 00:34:53.279 --> 00:34:54.079 everything we 00:34:54.079 --> 00:34:54.500 have. 00:34:54.979 --> 00:34:55.919 It leads us 00:34:55.919 --> 00:34:56.479 to a heart 00:34:56.479 --> 00:34:56.959 that says, 00:34:57.059 --> 00:34:57.259 Lord, 00:34:57.439 --> 00:34:58.339 here's my 00:34:58.339 --> 00:34:58.799 life, 00:34:59.159 --> 00:34:59.739 take it 00:34:59.739 --> 00:35:00.519 and use 00:35:00.519 --> 00:35:00.899 it for 00:35:00.899 --> 00:35:01.639 your honor 00:35:01.639 --> 00:35:02.259 and for 00:35:02.259 --> 00:35:02.899 your glory. 00:35:03.339 --> 00:35:03.619 And so, 00:35:03.739 --> 00:35:03.839 Lord, 00:35:03.919 --> 00:35:04.579 we ask all 00:35:04.579 --> 00:35:05.179 these things 00:35:05.179 --> 00:35:05.699 in Jesus' 00:35:05.899 --> 00:35:06.639 precious name. 00:35:07.099 --> 00:35:07.459 Amen. 00:35:08.199 --> 00:35:08.479 Amen. 00:35:08.579 --> 00:35:08.759 I want to 00:35:08.759 --> 00:35:09.199 invite you 00:35:09.199 --> 00:35:09.599 to take 00:35:09.599 --> 00:35:09.879 your 00:35:09.879 --> 00:35:11.000 Baptist hymnal 00:35:11.000 --> 00:35:11.439 and turn 00:35:11.439 --> 00:35:12.719 to hymn 00:35:12.719 --> 00:35:13.019 number 00:35:13.019 --> 00:35:15.039 363, 00:35:15.179 --> 00:35:15.679 let others 00:35:15.679 --> 00:35:16.320 see Jesus 00:35:16.320 --> 00:35:16.900 in you. 00:35:17.280 --> 00:35:17.719 If the 00:35:17.719 --> 00:35:18.199 Lord is 00:35:18.199 --> 00:35:18.759 speaking to 00:35:18.759 --> 00:35:19.099 you this 00:35:19.099 --> 00:35:19.280 morning, 00:35:19.380 --> 00:35:19.679 won't you 00:35:19.679 --> 00:35:20.199 respond as 00:35:20.199 --> 00:35:20.739 we stand 00:35:20.739 --> 00:35:21.219 together 00:35:21.219 --> 00:35:22.159 and sing?